Honolulu, HI – The Hawai'i Pacific University men's basketball team rang in the new year with an impressive 80-72 victory over Vanguard at the Shark Tank. Joshua West delivered a standout performance, scoring a career-high 24 points on an efficient 9-of-12 shooting, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc, propelling the Sharks to a 7-6 record (2-1 PacWest). The loss drops Vanguard to 8-3 (2-3 PacWest).

The Sharks stormed to a 38-30 lead at halftime, fueled by a scorching 53.6% shooting from the floor. Despite Vanguard's efforts to rally in the second half, HPU maintained control and closed out the game with solid execution.

Next, HPU will remain at the Shark Tank as they prepare for a PacWest matchup against Concordia University Irvine on January 6 at 6:30 PM.

Key Performances

• Joshua West: Career-high 24 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, shooting 75% from the floor.
• Avi Halpert: Added 11 points, going a perfect 3-for-3 from three-point range.
• Kordel Ng: A crucial bench contributor with 14 points and 6-of-8 from the free-throw line.
• Charlie Weber: Controlled the boards with 9 rebounds and added 6 points for a balanced presence inside.

Game Highlights

• First-Half Firepower: The Sharks shot 53.6% from the field in the first half, sinking 6-of-14 from beyond the arc.
• Bench Boost: HPU's bench outscored Vanguard's reserves 28-4, providing a crucial spark.
• Points in the Paint: HPU scored 40 points in the paint, matching Vanguard's interior production.
• Defensive Effort: The Sharks held Vanguard to just 19% shooting from deep, limiting their offensive rhythm.

The Sharks aim to continue their strong form and secure another PacWest win in front of their home crowd.

#GoSharks